We are looking for a Sr Payroll & Tax Analyst to join our team in Northbrook, Illinois in a contract-to-permanent capacity. This position is suited for a sr payroll & tax analyst who combines strong technical knowledge with a careful, analytical approach to ensure accurate pay processing and compliance across a multi-state employee population. The role will work closely with finance and internal stakeholders to support reliable payroll operations, strengthen controls, and maintain adherence to tax and reporting requirements.
Responsibilities:
• Manage end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processing for a large employee base, ensuring payments are completed accurately and on schedule, including variable compensation and other specialized pay items.
• Update and maintain payroll records, earnings and deduction setups, and system parameters to support precise payroll calculations and policy compliance.
• Coordinate payroll funding activities, including payment transmissions for employees and applicable benefit or third-party remittances.
• Collaborate with accounting teams on payroll-related journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and month-end close support.
• Review and reconcile payroll, tax, benefit, and liability balances to maintain accurate records and support audit preparedness.
• Oversee payroll tax administration by setting up and closing tax accounts, maintaining authorization documentation, and monitoring third-party tax service arrangements.
• Verify proper withholding and reporting for federal, state, and local payroll taxes across multiple jurisdictions.
• Examine payroll tax filings prepared by external providers, resolve tax notices through research and agency follow-up, and help ensure timely payments and submissions.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities, including validation and distribution support for W-2 reporting.
• Track payroll-related regulatory updates and implement required process or system adjustments to maintain ongoing compliance.Sr
• Proven experience managing full cycle payroll processing for a workforce of 500 or more employees.
• Hands-on knowledge of multi-state payroll practices, including tax withholding, filings, and compliance requirements.
• Strong proficiency with ADP Workforce Now and Workday, including payroll and HRIS functionality.
• Demonstrated ability to reconcile payroll data, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues with a high level of accuracy.
• Experience supporting accounting processes tied to payroll, such as journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliation.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for analysis, auditing, and payroll reporting.
• Solid understanding of payroll controls, year-end reporting, and coordination with third-party tax or payroll vendors.
